Dieter Knoll in the interview: “I dream of winning the trophy again”

HCB Südtirol Alperia was accepted into the back then Erste Bank Eishockey Liga in 2013. What were your reasons for joining?
Dieter Knoll: “Unfortunately, the Italian Serie A had dropped to a lower level at the time and fans were no longer coming to the stadium. We had an average attendance of less than a thousand fans, so we had to do something to respond to that. I thought that the return of top-class hockey could reignite the passion for hockey in Bolzano - and that's exactly what happened. It was the right decision.”

HCB caused a sensation in its debut season by winning the championship. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to that time?
Dieter Knoll: “It was something indescribable. Even in the first few months, we realized that we had a competitive team, but I never thought that we would even end up playing for the title. In the playoffs, however, it quickly became clear that this goal was achievable. The series against Salzburg was exciting - we thought we could end it earlier, but the Red Bulls caught up and it took a Game 7: that goal by Ziga Pance in overtime will go down in HCB history forever.”

This was followed by the second title in 2018 (from last place in the table) and further appearances in the final. There is always talk of a certain winning mentality in Bolzano. How would you describe it?
Dieter Knoll: “It's difficult to put into words. Historically, we are a club that always aims to win, with a glorious tradition and a past full of trophies. Winning the EBEL in our first year has helped to keep that mentality. When a new player comes into our dressing room, the first thing he sees is the timeline with the photos of all our successes. That, combined with the mentality passed on from the experienced players to the younger ones, creates the drive to fight to the end every season.”

Sporting rivalries have developed over the years. Are there any duels that have a special poignancy for you every time?
Dieter Knoll: “Since HC Pustertal joined the win2day ICE Hockey League, an old rivalry has flared up again, which excites both clubs and the fans. These are always the best duels that fill the stadiums. However, other important rivalries have also developed in recent years: The one with Linz, against whom we've played four playoff series, three of them in a row, and of course the one with Salzburg. They're always fascinating games, both for the players and the fans, regardless of the standings.”

Bolzano are currently tied on points with league leaders Fehérvár in second place. What are your expectations for the current season?
Dieter Knoll: “Our expectations for the season haven't changed. Our first goal remains to make it straight into the playoffs, i.e. a place in the top six. After that, we know that the playoffs begin - a season of their own. Anything before that is an additional gain. Given the current situation in the table, we can certainly aim to finish in the top four in order to have home advantage in the first playoff game. But the season is still long and we only have to focus on tomorrow, never the day after tomorrow.”